Beyond the Surface: Casey's Oculoplastics Division Transforms Specialized Eye Care

Dr. John Ng examines a patient

In the world of specialty eye care, some teams stand out for their dedication to innovation and excellence. The Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Division at 博彩网站 Casey Eye Institute is one example, offering surgical expertise plus the benefits of the latest patient-centered research to transform outcomes for their patients.

Growth in faculty and services

"The past few years have been exciting for us," says assistant professor of ophthalmology Davin Ashraf, M.D., who joined the faculty three years ago. "We've grown significantly, both in our team membership and in the treatments we can offer patients throughout the Pacific Northwest."

"The Northwest has experienced tremendous population growth, and we are meeting an increasing need for oculoplastic services," Dr. Ashraf explains. The division serves patients from Oregon, Southwest Washington, Northern California, Idaho, Montana and Alaska, with many seeking care based on the institute's reputation and physician referrals.

The latest technology

With the aid of philanthropy, the division has also been able to invest in some of the most advanced technology available. Recent acquisitions include the SONOPET, an ultrasonic device that can aid in surgery for thyroid eye disease as well as safe removal of eye tumors.

"This device gives us even greater precision for delicate procedures around the eye," says Dr. Ashraf. The division has also acquired a Cube navigation system for precisely locating ocular tumors with CT or MRI.

What's even more remarkable is that this advanced technology is available at Casey, just steps away from the clinic where patients see their oculoplastic specialist. "This level of technology is normally only available in large hospital operating rooms," Dr. Ashraf says. Casey patients also benefit from the surgery center's team of specialized eye nurses and surgical technicians.

Clinical trials that expand patients’ options

Research and clinical trials are another cornerstone of the division's work. Building on Dr. Roger Dailey's involvement in the seminal trial for teprotumumab-tbw (Tepezza), which has significantly improved treatment for people with thyroid eye disease, the team continues to seek out clinical trial participation opportunities for patients interested in treatments not yet available to the public.

"Our first commitment is to the patients we serve," Dr. Ashraf says. "We're able to select trials that offer some benefit over the standard of care, ensuring our patients have access to the most promising new treatments."

Current trials explore more convenient administration methods—including daily pills instead of injections and self-administered subcutaneous injections similar to diabetes treatments—plus entirely new mechanisms for suppressing the immune response that causes thyroid eye disease. The division has been a top U.S. recruiter for many thyroid eye disease trials, giving regional patients access to cutting-edge treatments.

Healing disease, repairing damage

Dr. John Ng has worked with the Casey Eye Institute Facial Nerve Center multidisciplinary team to advance rehabilitation of patients with facial paralysis as well as facial spasms due to abnormal facial nerve recovery. The combined multispecialty team approach has advanced facial and periocular reanimation to improve and restore movement in paralyzed faces. “The most gratifying result is significantly improved patient quality of life, not just in physical function but in psychological and social rehabilitation,” says Dr. Ng.

The division also honors Casey's history of excellence in treating tear duct (lacrimal) disorders. Dr. Roger Dailey holds the endowed professorship named for Lester Jones, M.D., one of the inventors of minimally invasive lacrimal surgery. New clinic equipment for endoscopic procedures has improved care before and after surgery for patients with tearing problems. This approach, done through the nose, helps them heal faster and avoids the need for a skin incision.

Collaborating for the best patient outcomes

What makes the oculofacial division particularly effective is the spirit of collaboration it shares with the rest of Casey. "Patients who come here don't just see one physician—they benefit from the collective knowledge and skills of our entire team," Dr. Ashraf says. "We're collaborative in assisting each other during patient encounters and surgeries, and we regularly exchange ideas to advance research and provide the best patient care."

As the Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Division continues to grow, so does its impact. Two of the faculty care for children as well as adults, and three work with surgeons in other specialties including skull-based surgery, neuro-orbital surgery and orbital and sinus endoscopic surgery. In other words, the Casey oculofacial team is able to provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages. Highly skilled and caring specialists, the latest equipment and techniques and a commitment to patient-focused research come together to offer patients world-class care that restores both function and appearance—transforming lives one procedure at a time.

Casey Eye Institute oculoplastic specialists

For more information about the Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Division or to support their work, please contact 503-494-3004.